Favorite Photo~Take3

At Peace with each other and the world.

April 2007

At my favorite spot at Brazos Bend State Park. No gators in this one. Just 3 great kids lookin' at the water. I love this shot.

Favorite Photo~Take 1

Girls Rules Boys Drool!

Favorite photo blog idea from laceylichi

This photo is one of my all time favorites. We were at the Ft Bend County Fair and the kids wanted to play a game. And the boys wanted to play the 'hit the pins with the baseball' game. And commented that they were SURE TO WIN. But NOT Morgan because She is a GIRL!

Guess what.. As you can see.. the girl WON and the boys LOST.

Do what You will.

Have you ever been persecuted for doing what you thought was right? For doing what you thought God wanted? Have you ever been accused of something and no one cared if you were innocent or wanted your 'side' and God kept telling you. "It does not matter. I matter."
Some maybe turned off my the lengthiness of the below verse. Talking about a man who delivered a girl from evil and then was put in prison for it. And then FOR GOD'S Glory... HIS GOOD PLEASURE. He broke their chains and were free to go. And God vindicated their good name. SO that HE and HE alone received the Glory and honor!



Acts 16:12-40
Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved." She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so troubled that he turned around and said to the spirit, "In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!" At that moment the spirit left her.
When the owners of the slave girl realized that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said, "These men are Jews, and are throwing our city into an uproar by advocating customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice."
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them to be stripped and beaten. After they had been severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. Upon receiving such orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody's chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don't harm yourself! We are all here!"
The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household." Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his family were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole family.
When it was daylight, the magistrates sent their officers to the jailer with the order: "Release those men." The jailer told Paul, "The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace."
But Paul said to the officers: "They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out."
The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. They came to appease them and escorted them from the prison, requesting them to leave the city. After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia's house, where they met with the brothers and encouraged them. Then they left.

Can you hear Me? Are you listening to Me?

*
*

"Today, If you hear His voice, do not harden your heart."
(Psalms 95:7-8 & Hebrews 4:7)

Today I was reading and this passage. This single line spoke volumes to me. It made me think 2 totally different directions.

One...When God 'speaks' to me do I obey? Or do I find reasons why I should not obey or question whether that was 'really' God. Which is not all the time just sometimes when I am stubborn. I am not normally a stubborn person, at least I don't think I am. BUT at times I AM.
I admit that some times I complain that I am too tired, don't understand or flat out don't want to. Sometimes I want Him to send His instructions in an email or write them on the sky. Sometimes I wait to long to obey. A good old friend of mine says..."Slow Obey is NO obey"


Second...How many times have I obeyed and the person, if that was the instruction, hardens his/ her hearts and I walk away feeling beaten up and whipped. And wondering why in the world did He ask me to do that and He knew they would be stubborn why put me thru such formalities?


But I think the heart of the matter, if you don't me saying, is not if someone else hardens his/her heart. It is DID I DO AS I WAS ASKED. Did I learn? Did I harden my heart? Did I obey? And did I do it when asked?
Which makes me feel like a child and that is ok. Because He is my Father and He is teaching me, and training me and preparing me. And some kids don't get it right away. They are hard 'headed' and difficult. And I always learned my childhood lessons quickly.
Can I do so now?
Time will tell.

OH Glorious coffee

Coffee, Coffee OH thankful wonder that you are.
I drink you in the morning and evening and especially in my car!
You are smooth like silk when filled with cream.
It is sure to be a coffee lovers dream.
Frozen.
Hot.
Frapped.
Large or small.
Any way is a great call.
For one of the craziest I must confess.
'Let me have a Tall Hazelnut Mocha, you can keep the rest.'
Or For this mouth can not do with out the luscious peppermint mocha
Hurry bring it OUT!!
Some may say it is a sickness or addiction for which there is no cure.
But I will always hold dear, love and be pure.
To the rawness that is so sweet.
Every day I find it such a treat.
Caramel.
Chocolate.
To just name a few.
At times it causes me to be quite a motley crue. (ha)
Because my hours and days may be shorter and shorter
But this ode to my fav is finally over!

What they look for in a wife?....Scary

There are many things yesterday that made me laugh at my Kindergartner's Circus Field Trip. Even though I was NOT looking forward to sitting in bleachers for 4 hours..my lower back is killing me today. And I always get assign the 'crazy' kids. But all in all it was ok. A little hot. A little long. A lot exhausting. But the life of a mom is that way.
Hot~Long~ Crazy~EXHAUSTING.
I could tell you how the #1 rule was broken by one of the student. Which was you can't buy anything from the snack bar or gift stand or 'rides'. Well, Maybe I will. The 6year old who was accompanied by his grandmother (this is shocking) talked his Grandma into a coke... and a ride on the elephant. RIGHT in front of his WHOLE class. And all the little yellow shirted 'monkey's' noticed at the same time. "HEY!! _______is not allowed to do that? THAT IS NOT FAIR!!!"
The kids, ESPECIALLY my son, told the Grandmother that she broken an important rule.
I could tell you about the kid who was hanging upside down on the hand rail that led up to the top of the bleacher where we sat.. and I told him to get down before he fell. And he told me"YOU are NOT my mother!" And his mother WHO WAS IN EAR shot... told the boy. I don't care if she is your mother or not.. you do as she said and DON'T EVER talk to an adult that way again.
If it had been me and my son.. I would have been spanking him while I was saying that.. so it would have been broken up like.. DON'T~YOU~ EVER ~TALK~TO~AN~ADULT~THAT ~WAY~AGAIN~ HEHEHE.
I could tell you about the trick dogs with their Persian cat. The jugglers, singers, monkey, lions, tigers, motorcycle tricksters..
But none will compare to the shock that occurred when the 'hoola hoop girls' came out.
Three girls.... doing hoola hoop tricks.. And one particular girl... That hoola~ed 2-6 hoolas at a time. Who did little foot tricks and then as she spun 2 hoops.. My son says..."Momma! I am going to marry her!!!" I am thinking.. WOW. I should remind him of this later..
Hoola hoop girls are interesting.. And fun.. and can do tricks..
I am not sure if I like this phrasing..but it is what I thought. And he can't stop talking about the hoola girl with boots and all those hoops! I hope this does not mean he will like crazy reckless girls.

Fullness Of God

The difficulty in being an outspoken 'christian' in this world of hypocrites, money mongers, Tv Evang, and well all the rest can be difficult and trying.
The levels I find my self treading on makes me feel inconsistent and untrained. hmm.
Maybe not untrained.
Maybe lazy?
Ouch.
I just hurt myself. Lazy. Prideful.
Double ouch.
I am, at times, surrounded with opportunities to speak the truth or shut my mouth. And ALOT of times I shut my mouth. Even though I feel that maybe God is saying... "SPEAK". And I am praying . "God help me be still". HA. Isn't that just the way of a typical hypocrite? Doing the EXACT opposite of what GOD said! And yet I sit here today with 30 minutes before I HAVE to get ready to leave. (Yes I scream Blog addict) Anyway, going over in my head, in my spirit...
Are YOU, Laura Beadle, THAT lazy? Are you so shallow that you don't want to live in the fullness of what God has in story for your life.
And when I think that...
AND immediately say..
"Oh You must be talking about ________. SURELY I AM doing what I am suppose to do!!"
HAA
I am AND able to be called A daughter of the Most High, a joint heir, chosen, a new creation who is dearly loved and adored, with a plan and will that was written and formed before the creation of all things.
And instead I act like....a fox. a slug. a weasel. WHY? Because I am a human being that fights change every step of the way?!? YUP. Because pride makes me want to "have it MY way".
OH YEAH. And so I have to think crazy,weird, wacko, abnormally.... LOVE.. give... pray...hope..and have faith. Because I am one of God's living stones, being built up in Christ. And it takes time. I am being chiseled and refined and molded into a perfect stone. That means I am a work in progress.
How long will it take us to accept that? How long will we sit and let others around us do all the 'dirty' work? When will we step up and be who we are, REALLY?

You are a son or daughter of the MOST HIGH!

Maybe we should start acting like it. (not a slap an encouragement for me.. and anyone who wants it)

Project Green~Take 3

In the shadow of green!

Project Green Started by Anna

Project Green~ take TWO

Becareful! This park is fun. And has a few hidden, fun surprises! Don't get in the water. You might be ....... GATOR BAIT!

Project Green~ Take ONE

This is one of my most favorite photos. It is taken at Brazos Bend State Park. And it is by my favorite trail. I had my oldest and youngest pose and the dragon fly landed as I took the shot.
HE is GREEN. Can you imagine the glee in my kindergartner when NOT only a dragon fly landed on his nose...but one that is his FAVORITE color.
Taken 4/16/07 Picture project from "ANNA" Click B13 then to ANNA! I am by NO means a professional! But I like to act like one..
Professional What? is the question!

Stuffed Shells

OK Here it is.

The shells are stuffed with Italian sausage, ground beef and mozzarella. You can make it healthier and I will just do that recipe for the 'healthier side'.EXTRA lean beef and fat free mozzarella..I personally will not use fat free mozzarella I think it has NO flavor. You will need uncooked LARGE shells OR Lasagna noodles.
1lb of Lean beef
4 Hot Italian Sausage
4 cups of Mozzarella.
Cook shells or lasagna noodles.. Cool them.
***(I missed a step) SORRY!! In a pan brown beef and sausage(take the sausage out of the casing!!) and mix together. Drain fat and put it in a bowl to cool a bit. Then add the cheese. Put meat & cheese mixture in shells or wrap in lasagna noodles. Put in pan top with sauce and cheese.
OH YOU need my sauce recipe!
Sauce...Paste sauce.
2 large cans of paste
6-8 cups of water
EVOO
1 med onion
2-3 cloves of garlic
3 tbs oregano
2 tsp s and p (Or more if you like! )
1 tbs red pepper flakes (I use about 2 tbs..)
Saute minced onion in pot until transparent. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute. Add paste/water and seasons Cook for a while. Until you are ready. You can also add a can of diced tomatoes for a chunkier sauce. I started added red pepper flakes.. it give the sauce a little more flavor and a little kick.
Bake!! 400 degree oven for 30 minutes check for yummy brownness.. if not 10 min longer!
Any questions??...
The meatless version:
Omit the meat add 1 large container of ricotta, 1 egg, 1/4 c parm cheese to the mozzarella! And follow the rest. You can also add spinach to this. 1 package of chopped spinach.

Project LookThru and Project Yellow!

2 in 1

Jacob at the zoo.

HA.

I can write a story about that one.

There once was a boy who loved the zoo. Because at any given moment he would be a monkey or a kangaroo.

One day there was field trip with his class and we enjoyed the sun the fun and the green green grass.

We looked at Rhinos and Tigers. Lions and Bears. And frolicked about with out a care. Until we came to a place where it is the best.

They had no care for the rest. WE spent more time looking and watching. And playing and running. Because in this place of wonder and space. It was permitted for you to race.

Even though it was hot yet breezy the kids felt it came quite easy. To run a muck and chase a big fat duck.

So when you take Jacob to the zoo you will know just what to do. Go to the back where the playground stands. Where goats, cows and mommas land. Resting and watching as their monkeys play. It is restful in the end as the momma's will say. Because even monkeys, panda, and wolves play all day. Until the end when they can't help but hit the hay!

: )

These 2 are from 2 other blogs-Diane and Mark. I will have to tell you or show you the link..

What are you worth?

Because I love you.
Because My heart yearns for you
I can not remain silent.
I will not stop praying for you until My righteousness shines in you like the dawn and your salvation blazes like a burning torch.
Kings will be blinded by the glory shown around you.
And I will give you a new name.
I will hold you in My arms for all to see that you are Mine.
Never again will you be alone and empty.
You are My delight, My beauty, My beloved.

(my version of Isaiah 62)

I think it is difficult for some to grasp.. and hold in and accept that you are worth ‘it’.And there are so many things that ‘it’ can be. You are worth being loved, supported, appreciated, cared for, prayed with, and uplifted… even though it sounds harsh you are even deserving of being corrected and disciplined.

We look at our life and think we are screw ups and forget that we were loved first. We were thought of before breath entered us. Redeemed before needed. And shown mercy and grace when most often all we see is why we are undeserving. So when you think that you are undeserving and not worth the skin your in. .. remember one thing. ..You are worth redemption. You are worth salvation. You are loved. And the Creator of all the universe loves……..

YOU.

Heavenly Sunlight

One of the things I love about the nursing home is I get to sing great old hymns. Some I have never heard before and yet the residents don't even need the books! This is one I have never heard so I was thankful I have learned to sight read over the years.... oh my the second verse I can barely read let alone sing ...

1~Walking in sunlight, all of my journey
Over the mountains,thru the deep vale
Jesus has said, "I'll never forsake thee,"
Promise divine that never can fail.

Heavenly sunlight, Heavenly sunlight
Flooding my soul with glory divine
Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

2~Shadows around me, shadows above me,
Never conceal my Savior and Guide.
He is the light in Him is no darkness
Ever I'm walking close to His side.

Heavenly sunlight, Heavenly sunlight
Flooding my soul with glory divine
Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

3~In the bright sunlight, ever rejoicing,
Pressing my way to mansions above
Singing His praises gladly I'm walking
Walking in sunlight, sunlight of love.

Heavenly sunlight, Heavenly sunlight
Flooding my soul with glory divine
Hallelujah, I am rejoicing,
Singing His praises, Jesus is mine.

He didn't break the mold.....

I have heard many, many times that I "look like someone I know." So when I hear it, it is not surprising. BUT Saturday night. I heard it and I was surprised. At Sherlock's we were sitting at the table and the bass player of the band kept looking at me. (No I am not a legend in my own mind)
And at the first break of the set he came up to me.....


He comes down and comes straight to me and says...

"Are you from my homeland in Ecuador?"






WHAT?!




I am thinking I have been coming to see this band since I saw them one crazy night at Berry Hills. And he thinks I am from Ecuador??




So I politely as possible say. "No I am not from Ecuador."



He starts saying.. "you look just like my neighbor from Ecuador. And I was sure it was you. I waved at you and you waved back. AND you look just like my friend from my homeland and are you sure you not her"

UGH!
Are you kidding? Really? Seriously?

My sister and a few of her friends are close by and they are laughing hysterically at me. As this Ecuadorian looks like he is MAJORLY hitting on me. And I say to him. "I come see your band all the time. Maybe that is why you recognize me?"



He starts to realize that he does not know me from his homeland and says ...
"Oh ojay.. see you later then"

Let 's just say when I told my entourage what had happened.. .they lost it...

Then the lead singer comes up and they immediately start laughing and I start cringing.. BUT he did not ask me if I was from Ecuador.. thank the baby Jesus.

Go ahead.. laugh it up.. God must have a huge sense of humor to make me look like some many other people! Especially, One UNFORGETTABLE neighbor from Ecuador!

Let get ready to party......

My BEAUTIFUL, model, younger sister's birthday is tomorrow. BUT tonight is the PARTY. She loves sushi & 80's music so it is off to 713 lounge. Usually we have 2 parties .. a family/everybody party and a 'who do you really want' party.. tonight they are combined. So this shall be very very interesting. And maybe with out a question funny! VERY VERY Funny. I hope I have good pictures to share.

Mmm...Let get it on! She really wants to share her cake!!

(That is my grandfather in the background.. doesn't he look entertained!! )

Is it just me

OR was this week EXHAUSTING!!!

I am so glad that I get to sleep in tomorrow. Don't call, don't write... I will turn off the phone.. I will put the ear plugs in.. and I will pretend I am not a parent until .......noon.
It will be wonderful glorious.. come on pillow.. oh wonderful fan.. mmmmcozy blanket. ....
Let's get the sleep on!

too real for you?? hmmm... too bad.




Yes- I will let you know how that works out for me.
If you are thinking negative thoughts... I have only one comment..
"GET BEHIND ME SATAN!!"
: p

I WAS HERE

I think about Tom Hanks in Cast Away writing on that rock before venturing to his assumed escape/death. Or sitting in the stall in Wal-mart looking up to see "Who was here and Who loves who". And even looking at a gravestone.
And that makes me think.

Do we/I have a life that says at the end... "I WAS HERE".
I am not talking about graffiti, even though I think I secretly would like to spray paint something, w/o consequences OF COURSE.
But am I living a life worthy of a Legacy for my kids.
A legacy to those around me.
Because as a christian I believe we are suppose to show others, teach others, and be there for others when needed.
So what does a life like this look like. I don't think it can not be done living in a box. I don't think it can be done just on Sunday. Or Wednesday.
I think it is everyday. With those around us... and stepping out of the box and taking action for the good God things & the good God Plans.

There are a few people at our church and other I know that live this out. That my kids look up to . .HECK that I look up to. And I think. Thank GOD they are there. Thank GOD I have a good example of living a life worthy of example worthy of not imitation.. b/c there is only ONE that I should be imitating.

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Fear

I know fear is a tool the enemy uses against me. He knows my weaknesses. He knows what I am afraid. Sometimes he gets the best of me. He reads my face. Counts my tears and feeds off them.
Even though. Even though. I have a Savior. It gets the best of me.
Because I fear.
I have bad dreams.
I don't sleep well.
Even if I pray.
Even if I 'lay it down'
Deep deep down it still bothers me.
Maybe it is because I am the creature known as a woman.
Because I REALLY don't think it is lack of trust in God.
I know that I know He takes care of me. And I have nothing to fear.
And yet. I still have it.
It's like a Daddy coaxing his child as they learn to ride their bike.
Or a Mom showing a child how to roller skate.
The child KNOWS he will fall and yet afraid he goes out on the floor anyway.
Deep Breath.
I write in my Bible ALOT. I make notes, underline. Sometimes in color. Sometimes in pencil.
I usually get a new Bible when I can't read the word b/c of my markings.
And yet. I don't want a new one b/c my is nice and broke in. It opens right away to my favorite passages.
But there is a place in my Bible that only has a couple lines written. I will never write anything else on this page because it is my constant reminder.....
On the inside cover of my Bible I wrote....

"Stop Fearing-
There are good God things to come.
They are not surprises to God.
It is HIS plan NOT my plan"

there is no date. I don't remember who or what prompted this.
I do know. When I am afraid.. I read this. I had forgotten that last few days. And 'he' got the best of me. 'He' got me tired. 'He' got me in my sleep.
Like a thief. 'He' stole from me. And I pray I will not forget.

Fear not. The Lord is with me. No matter where I go. How long the road is or how high the mountain is. And Lord help me...How far I fall. How long I run.
I merely turn (repent) and HE, the GREAT I AM, Is there to catch me.
Hallelujah!